Upcoming Events
Senior Social
Pittsburgh Mills Mall, 590 Pittsburgh
Mills Circle, Tarentum
Thursday, May 23, Noon - 3:00
pm
We’re hosting a Senior Social! This
isn’t your parents’ senior fair– come ready to meet
new people and learn new things.
Vintage Center for Active
Adults will be there to provide Digital Navigation Services and
support for your smartphone, laptop, or tablet.
The PA
Department of Banking and Securities will be playing Fraud Bingo, a
fun and easy way to learn how to keep yourself and your loved ones
safe from frauds and scams.
Representatives from the PA Fish
and Boat Commission, a Veterans Service Officer from the Department of
Military and Veterans Affairs, and more vendors will be there to
answer questions and share information on programs you can take
advantage of.
We’ll also have music, dancing, games, and
light refreshments made by the students of A.W. Beattie for you to
enjoy!
We hope to see you at our Senior Social on Thursday,
May 23 from Noon until 3:00 pm at Pittsburgh Mills Mall!
Property Tax/Rent Rebate Filing
Event
Shaler North Hills Library, 1822 Mt. Royal Boulevard,
Glenshaw, PA 15116
Friday, May 24, 10:00 am –
Noon
Rep. Lindsay Powell and I are co-hosting
a Property Tax/Rent Rebate Event at the Shaler North Hills Library on
Friday May 24 from 10:00 am until noon. For the first time in almost
20 years, the Property Tax/Rent Rebate has been expanded. Nearly
175,000 more Pennsylvanians now qualify for a rebate and the maximum
rebates available have nearly doubled.
The new income
eligibility threshold is $45,000 for both homeowners and renters. To
calculate income, only half of Social Security income is included.
At this event, we’re able to answer questions and help you
file for your rebate online! Please bring along your:
-
Proof of identity (first time filers only)
- Documentation
showing all income received in 2023, including Social Security income,
retirement funds, or other interest bearing accounts
- A
completed PA rent certificate (for renters only—please contact
our office if you need assistance obtaining this)
- Bank
account and routing information if you would like direct deposit
For homeowners only:
- Proof of payment/receipt
for Allegheny County taxes
- Proof of payment/receipt for
local municipality taxes
- Proof of payment/receipt for school
district taxes
Good News
Thank You
AARP Tax-Aide Volunteers!
We send a heartfelt
thank you to the volunteers who made the 2024 AARP Tax-Aide Program
possible. Between the Ross and Shaler sites, our office scheduled 742
senior tax appointments for the 2024 tax season.
AARP
Tax-Aide Tax Preparers are trained volunteers who graciously offer
months of their time to make free tax preparation a reality for
seniors. The number of tax appointments AARP can offer is dependent on
how many folks volunteer each season. Many people ask our office about
meaningful volunteer opportunities, and this program is one of the
most direct ways we know of to help people in our community!
To volunteer and learn more go to: https://www.aarp.org/volunteer/programs/tax-aide/.
Demystifying Harrisburg with the Office of Consumer
Advocate
Last month, I was joined by Patrick
Cicero, Pennsylvania’s Consumer Advocate to discuss your rights
as a utility customer. We covered a wide variety of topics, including
what utility rate increase cases are and how they impact all of us,
the best way to research electric rates (https://www.papowerswitch.com/),
and how your voice can be heard through the OCA.
Stay tuned
for upcoming information on how you can get involved in upcoming rate
cases that affect residents in our area!
If you missed the
program, you can view it at: www.SenatorLindseyWilliams.com/DemystifyingHbg.
You can contact the Office of Consumer Advocate, including to sign
up for updates about upcoming rate cases that affect you at:
Phone: 1-800-684-6560
Email: [email protected]
Web: PA
Office of Consumer Advocate - Pennsylvania Office of Consumer
Advocate
Visiting
Northgate School District’s College in High School
Program
State officials and local education
leaders joined Northgate Middle and High School students and educators
to learn about their College in High School (CIHS) program last month.
Northgate offers high school students an opportunity to earn college
credits through 21 CIHS courses in partnership with Robert Morris
University, Pitt, and Carlow University.
College in High
School programs allow students to get a head start on earning college
credits at low or no cost to them. These programs are an incredible
benefit to our students, and I was excited to learn more about how
Northgate is creating partnerships with local universities. Their
program can serve as an example to other districts and can give
guidance to legislation that would support College in High School
programs statewide.
Following our conversation about College
in High School, we were joined by Governor Josh Shapiro to discuss
plans to move standardized testing online in order to minimize the
time that our students spend on state testing. Every student,
educator, and parent knows it’s long past time to reform the way
we administer these federally mandated standardized tests in
Pennsylvania. I look forward to working with PDE to ensure this
transition is smooth and equitable for students across all
districts.
Replace
Your Hard to Read License Plate!
We had a
fantastic turnout for last month’s Hard-to-Read License Plate
Replacement Event with AAA East Central on McKnight Road! Thank you to
AAA East Central, Port Authority of Allegheny County Police and PA
State Police for hosting!
If you weren't able to make it to
the event but you still need a free replacement, you can stop by our
office or give us a call to get a form to fill out at your
convenience!
Ross Township Office
5000
McKnight Road, Suite 405, Pittsburgh, PA 15237 (Next to Half Price
Books)
412-364-0469
Natrona Heights Office
1826
Union Avenue, Natrona Heights, PA 15065 (Next to J&S Pizza)
724-224-2131
Sourcing
and Eating Local Food
Thank you to Harvie for
hosting the Department of Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding,
Senator Jay Costa, Don Mahaney from Scratch
& Co, and me for a conversation about the economic and
environmental impacts of sourcing and eating local,
Pennsylvania-produced and grown food.
Harvie’s
unique farm-share/delivery service connects local farms with consumers
seeking fresh, high-quality ingredients. And it’s that
commitment to local, fresh produce that is key to their success. The
care placed in both the products they distribute and the 350+ farmers
they collaborate with is truly commendable.
We also had a
delicious lunch made by Harvie Kitchen, which was completely sourced
by local producers!
Visiting
the Western PA School for the Deaf
Thank you
to The Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf for welcoming me to
the school for a tour and discussion of their programming, including
their media studio, young student classrooms, and their drone
program!
Special thanks to Executive Director Carrie Rain and
Superintendent Kevin McDonough for their time and work with our
students.
Indiana
University of Pennsylvania Luncheon
Last week,
I joined Indiana University of Pennsylvania for a discussion about the
work they're doing to teach the next generation of cybersecurity
experts, nurses, AI/Robotics techs, and teachers. We also heard from
students about how these programs are working for them. Thank you to
Senator Joe Pittman for hosting us!
This week is Higher
Education Week and I'm incredibly proud of the work that our PA State
System Higher Education Foundation Schools do to educate students. I
look forward to funding our PASSHE System in the upcoming budget so
more students can achieve their educational goals with less student
debt.
Shredding
Event in Shaler
Saturday's torrential downpour
didn't stop our shredding event with Rep. Lindsay Powell from being a
giant success! A big thank you to Shaler Township officials and the
Shaler Township Police Department for all your help in making the
event run smoothly. A special shoutout to Lieutenant Benko for taking
on traffic control; you were the MVP!
Legislative Update
Standing
Up for Workers on May Day
May Day, or
International Workers Day, is recognized every May 1st. This year, I
had hoped that the Senate could pass my amendment to Senate
Bill 1109 that would extend unemployment compensation
eligibility to striking workers in honor of this day of celebration.
Historically, only workers experiencing a lockout have received
unemployment compensation.
Instead, my amendment failed by a
vote of 27-23, with nearly all Republican Senators voting against the
measure.
The language in the amendment is identical to
my Senate
Bill 434, which was referred to committee last March. I introduced
the same bill last session. Even so, this legislation has yet to
receive a committee hearing or vote.
I originally introduced
the legislation after the 2021 Allegheny Technology Incorporated (ATI)
Steelworkers strike, where 1300 Steelworkers were forced to strike due
to unfair labor practices for over 3 months. Since then, we’ve
seen numerous other workers go on strike in our area, including the
Post-Gazette newsroom and production workers, who have been on strike
for the last 18 months. These workers are still on strike, even after
the National Labor Relations Board ruled that the Post-Gazette
management failed to bargain in good faith and illegally imposed work
conditions on the unions.
These workers spent months and
months navigating a complicated unemployment system, trying to secure
benefits. They came to my office seeking help. They were frustrated,
disheartened, and often desperate. But
they knew that they were doing the right
thing by exercising their federally protected right to strike against
employers who were bargaining in bad faith and committing unfair labor
practices. Even though it came at great personal cost.
In
Pennsylvania, employers have a significant advantage over employees in
a strike because they can bring in scabs (non-union workers) and
continue to turn a profit. ATI stockpiled materials and brought in
scabs to keep the plant running. The Post-Gazette still has scabs
producing their paper. This tactic is used to break workers and force
them back to the negotiating table to accept less.
By
extending unemployment benefits to otherwise qualified striking
workers, we can help level the playing field just a little bit. But
instead of doing so, my Republican colleagues voted to leave striking
workers out in the cold while siding with their employers. I’m
extremely disappointed that Republicans chose to pay lip service to
supporting workers and working families while invoking May Day, as
they voted against policies that would help workers.
You can
view Senator Williams’ full remarks here: Sen.
Williams attempts to extend unemployment to striking workers (SB1109)
- Senator Lindsey Williams.
Thank You
Poll Workers
Thank you to the Allegheny County
poll workers who worked 13+ hours on Primary Election Day to ensure a
fair and transparent election process. We appreciate your service and
dedication. You are democracy heroes!
FAFSA
Deadline for PA State Grants Extended to June 1,
2024
The Pennsylvania
Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) has extended the
deadline for students and families to submit the Free
Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for PA State Grant
eligibility to June 1, 2024 - just in time for Higher Education
Week!
Historically the FAFSA deadline for PA State Grant
awards was May 1, but this year the new streamlined FAFSA launch was
delayed for 3 months. In response, PHEAA adjusted the deadline to June
1 to ensure that PA State Grant dollars get into the hands of the
students who need it most. Don’t wait until the last minute,
PHEAA is urging students to submit their FAFSA for the upcoming
2024-25 academic year as soon as possible!
After the FAFSA is
completed and data is transmitted to PHEAA, first-time applicants will
fill out the PA State Grant Form using PHEAA’s new
“GrantUs" platform. Notices should go out in the next few weeks
to students with instructions on how to set up their GrantUs accounts
and complete required PA State Grant documentation. Renewal applicants
only need to submit a FAFSA and set up a GrantUs account.
First time FAFSA applicants who plan to enroll in a community
college; business, trade, or technical school; a hospital school of
nursing; a designated Pennsylvania Open Admission institution; or a
non-transferable 2-year degree program at a community, 2-year, or
4-year college have an August 1, 2024, submission deadline.
All In
Allegheny Survey Results
Between November 2023
and April 2024, the Office
of the Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato heard from
residents countywide through the “All In Allegheny”
survey, which was the largest, most diverse, and most inclusive
community engagement initiative Allegheny County has ever seen.
Have you taken a look at the survey's findings? Nearly 19,000
residents contributed 648,000 data points, providing a comprehensive
view of community priorities.
From expanding childcare
to addressing housing needs, the survey highlights actionable areas
for improvement. The initiative marks a historic milestone in
community engagement, demonstrating residents' eagerness to actively
shape the future of Allegheny County.
To view survey results
click
here!
RAD
Free Admission Reservations Begin May 1!
On a
tight budget and want to see more of Pittsburgh’s amazing
attractions like the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium, the Frick
Pittsburgh, or the Phipps Conservatory? With the Allegheny Regional
Asset District’s (RAD) new RAD Summer Staycation program all you
need is an Allegheny County library card and a reservation to see them
for FREE.
The RAD Summer Staycation program gives
Allegheny County library card holders access to RAD-funded attractions
that typically charge for daily admission thanks to generous donations
from participating attractions. There are over 100,000 free admissions
available, but to secure your spot, make a reservation today at RADPass.org. Reservations
opened on May 1!
Learn more at RAD
announces expansion of free days with new RAD Summer Staycation
– Allegheny County Library Association
(aclalibraries.org).
Avoid Tow
Truck Scams - Know Your Tow!
On April 18, 2024
the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General charged
a local Pittsburgh towing company owner with inflating tow costs and
billing thousands of dollars in fraudulent fees.
The
Pennsylvania Insurance Fraud Prevention Authority recommends visiting
www.knowyourtow.org
to learn how to make sure your tow operator is legitimate and to print
the list below to keep in your vehicle.
Know Your Tow
Tips:
- Make sure the tow truck that arrives is the one
dispatched for you by the police.
- Take control of the
situation. Ask for identification with the towing company’s
information — a business card with the company’s name,
address and phone number on it. Then, provide all of the info you
gather to your insurance company.
- Write down or take a photo
of the tow truck’s license number and any identifying info on
the truck’s exterior.
- Don’t sign any towing slip
or other paperwork unless the fees are filled in.
- If police
have not responded to your accident — or if the tower has not
provided the info you requested — call 911 and tell them
you’re not comfortable with the tower and ask them for
assistance at your location.
CHARGES:
Western Pa. Tow Truck Operator Inflated Costs, Charged 27 Vehicle
Owners Nearly $300K for Short-Trip Tows – PA Office of Attorney
General
EMS
Public Education Event in Shaler
Shaler North
Hills Library will host "But I Never Thought I'd Need an Ambulance!"
with Shaler
Hampton EMS on Friday, May 17 at 1:30 PM. Learn about how to
handle emergency situations and how your EMS serves you!
Following the presentation, Shaler Hampton EMS staff will show you
firsthand the equipment they carry every day and why they can
comfortably say “On your worst day, we’ll be at our
BEST!
Register online at But
I Never Thought I'd Need an Ambulance! with the Shaler/Hampton EMS |
Shaler North Hills Library (librarycalendar.com) or call
412-486-0211.
As always, please feel free to reach out
with any questions you may have by phone at 412-364-0469 (Ross
Office), 724-224-2131 (Harrison
Office) or by email at [email protected].
My staff will return your call/email within 24 hours
(Monday-Friday).
Senator Lindsey Williams
